BETHESDA – As winter winds down and “kitten season” approaches, it is important to geteducated about what to do if you come across a litter of kittens outdoors, according to Alley CatAllies, the national advocate for stray and feral cats.

“The spring is when most litters of kittens are born,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley CatAllies. “Should you come across kittens, you may be tempted to pick them up and bring them homewith you, but that might not be in the best interest of the kittens.”

Deciding what to do when you find kittens depends on a number of variables, said Robinson. Shesuggests the following steps:

Determine the kittens’ age. If kittens are not exposed to or handled by people in their first weeks,they will not be socialized and cannot be adopted as pets. These feral cats will prefer to live theirlives outdoors, in family groups called “colonies.” Check Alley Cat Allies’ online guide to kittenprogression (www.alleycat.org/KittenProgression) to help establish the age of the kitten.

Find out whether a mother cat is caring for the kittens. “If the kittens are alone when you findthem, they could be abandoned, or the mother could simply be looking for food,” Robinson noted.“Wait and observe from a distance for an hour or two.”

If the mother cat does not return, determine if the kittens are young enough to be socialized, or ifthey should be trapped, neutered, and returned to the site. Note that if the kittens are not yetweaned, they will require bottle-feeding and round-the-clock care.

If the mother does come back, keep in mind that her care is best for the kittens, and they shouldremain with her until they are weaned. If she is friendly, trap her, pick up the kittens, and bring thewhole family indoors to a confined area until the kittens are old enough to be adopted. If themother is feral, leave the family outside and provide shelter, food, and water. Once the kittens areweaned, place them in foster care for adoption.

Neuter to ensure no more kittens. “The best way to help stray and feral cats is to end thebreeding cycle through Trap-Neuter-Return,” said Robinson. “The cats are humanely trapped andtaken to a veterinary hospital or spay/neuter clinic to be vaccinated and neutered. Socialized catsand young kittens are put up for adoption. Feral cats are ‘eartipped’ and returned to their colony.”

Visitors to www.alleycat.org can find more information about caring for and socializing kittens, aswell as tips on starting a Trap-Neuter-Return program and connecting with Feral Friends—localindividuals, groups, and veterinarians who will be able to help.

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About Alley Cat Allies Alley Cat Allies is the nation’s leading advocate for stray and feral cats. Their website is www.alleycat.org.